Got some spare cash? Never mind the holiday or a new car - steam locomotive ‘Tkh’ 0-6-0T W/No. 5374 ‘Vanguard’ is up for sale.

Built in Poland in 1959 at Chrzanow Works, ‘Vanguard’ arrived in Britain in 1992 where it was operational on the Northampton & Lamport Railway between 1997 and 2008. The locomotive was then withdrawn for a major overhaul.

According to ‘Vanguard’s’ owner Dr Colin Wilson, the 0-6-0T is 75% complete and has received many new parts, including a new smokebox, front tubeplate and steam pipe. Also included in the sale are numerous spares.

Dr Wilson has, regretfully, put the Polish tank engine up for sale due to recent ill health. Visits will be welcomed, but only from people with a serious interest in buying the engine.

The owner is looking for offers in the region of £50k-80k. According to Dr Wilson’s wife: “One prospective buyer is a ‘Vanguard’ fan and has said he can raise £25k. He is keen to find another person to co-own the engine with him.”

All enquiries regarding the sale should be directed to sue@suewilson.org or 01604 751032.